Music Copyright Licence: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn if your business needs a music copyright licence to play recorded music legally in your commercial space.
This licence provides businesses with the legal right to play recorded music in their commercial premises.
Who it's for
This scheme is intended for any business owner that plays recorded music in a commercial setting. If your business environment involves playing music—whether it is for background ambience or as part of your daily operations—you may qualify as a user of this licence.
What you get
By obtaining this licence, you secure the legal right to play music in your commercial space. This ensures that your business is compliant with copyright regulations and that you have the proper permission to use recorded music to enhance the atmosphere of your establishment.
What it costs you
The cost of this licence is an annual royalty fee. The specific amount you are required to pay is not a fixed flat rate for everyone; instead, it is calculated based on the floor area of your business premises. The larger the physical space of your shop or cafe, the different the calculated fee will be.
The catch to know
A very common mistake made by business owners is assuming that a personal subscription to a music streaming service provides enough coverage. It is important to understand that streaming services like Spotify are strictly for personal use only. They do not grant you the legal right to use their music in a commercial or business environment. Using a personal account for your business does not replace the need for this specific licence.
How to apply
- Measure the total floor area of your business premises to ensure you have an accurate measurement.
- Contact the issuing body to determine the specific annual fee based on your square footage.
- Complete the application process to ensure your business remains legally compliant.